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An elderly Hispanic woman in glasses and a floral apron reads a book aloud on a couch while an orange cat gazes up at her. 19 / 33

Abuela Carmen Started Reading Her Book Out Loud. Mango Became Her Biggest Fan.

AI imageorange catreadinggrandparents

Story time has begun on the living room couch, and the audience is listening closely. Abuela Carmen sits in a blue sweater and her rose-print apron, glasses on, mouth open mid-sentence as she reads from a well-worn book. Mango sits upright beside her, his long orange fur fluffed out, chin lifted and amber eyes fixed on her face with what looks like genuine fascination. The book is propped against the cushions next to him. Around them, a knitted throw covers the couch, a pencil cup and potted plant sit on the side table, and family photos hang on the wall.

Talking to your cat isn't silly at all. Many cats seem to recognize their own people's voices and often respond to familiar tones by turning their ears, looking over, or coming closer. A calm, warm voice can be soothing, and regular conversation is part of how cats and humans build their bond. Reading aloud can be a lovely routine for older adults too, keeping the mind active and the voice in use, and a cat makes a wonderfully nonjudgmental listener. Some animal shelters even run programs where volunteers read to cats to help shy ones become more comfortable around people.

Whatever the story is, Mango is hanging on every word. Maybe he likes the plot, or maybe he simply loves the sound of Carmen's voice. Either way, it's a book club of two, and attendance is perfect.

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